GREECE, NY — A foster-based animal rescue organization in Greece is preparing for one of its biggest fundraisers of the year, which is sorely needed due to the financial strain that COVID -19 caused to the non-profit organization.
Zoey Eyerman loves taking care of Puddin, a 10-week-old Australian Cattle Dog.
“She loves cuddles. And she definitely stays by your side the whole time,” Eyerman said.
It is not his dog, but one of the many animals hosted by the organization Greek Residents Assisting Stray Pets (GRASP).
The nonprofit organization does not have a physical shelter and relies on volunteers like Eyerman to care for the animals until a permanent home can be found.
“I like fostering because of the experience. And spending time with the puppies. It’s really fun,” she said.
But even if there is no shelter, there are still costs that GRASP must cover. Mainly, veterinary costs for animals.
This brings us to Denyse Clark’s home studio. Normally, she photographs babies or portraits of elderly people, but as vice-president of GRASP, she is taking part in a special project that Saturday.
“It’s different every year, that’s for sure,” Clark said. “Working with puppies is as difficult as working with children, maybe even more so.”
Puddin’ and his two sisters are the subject of a calendar that GRASP will sell to raise money, one of its biggest fundraisers each year.
And right now, the group needs funds more than ever, with COVID-19 impacting most of its other fundraising efforts.
“We had to get very creative without being able to host in-person events. So it became even more important for us,” Clark said.
Clark says residents can support them financially online or by volunteering to become a foster family.
Something Eyeman strongly encourages.
“It’s very exciting to welcome a new puppy or a new kitten, and it’s a great experience for me to have,” she said.
